The opening of a new destination at two Cardiff reservoirs is being delayed due to supply issues. Plans to transform the Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs with a swanky new visitor hub and facilities for water sports were revealed in 2020.
But Welsh Water has confirmed that challenges with the supply of materials have delayed the opening date. The visitor centre will have a café offering views over the reservoirs, as well as changing rooms, showers and toilets for watersports and training rooms for local community use.
Work was anticipated to be completed by the end of May, but the challenges faced by the construction team means that the hub will now not open until the summer. A spokesperson from Welsh Water said: "Our team are working hard on the construction of the new visitor hub. However, due to challenges such as the demand and supply of materials, we have encountered some delays and now anticipate opening the site this summer.
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"Throughout the development we have been working closely with volunteers, local community groups and the Friends of Cardiff Reservoirs group to raise awareness of this ecologically important site. Ranger led volunteer workshops have been taking place to protect and enhance the woodlands, supporting the Welsh Government and National Lottery Heritage Community Woodlands Project.
"Once opened, this brand-new exciting destination in the heart of Cardiff will give everybody the opportunity reconnect with water and our beautiful environment as well as enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that getting outside can bring."
The Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) centre is under construction on the banks of Lisvane reservoir. A virtual 'fly-through' of the building in 2020 showed how it is planned to look once complete, with a glass-fronted café on the top floor. The reservoirs were drained over a decade ago and DCWW has been restoring them since 2016 after taking over responsibility for them.
The full list of plans for the site includes:
A visitor hub featuring a café with panoramic views over the reservoirs;
A water sports centre offering activities like sailing and paddle-boarding along with showers and a changing area;
Meeting areas which can be used by schools and community groups;
Walking routes and a nature trail with interpretation to highlight features of interest;
Bird hides ;
Conservation areas;
A learning zone with an outdoor classroom and Welsh roundhouse.
Visitors will be able to hire watersports equipment for activities such as sailing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. When the site is complete, it is set to be open for 364 days of the year.
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